If you're new to cycling, another thing to consider is cadence. If you know what it is, no offense for explaining it. It's pedal RPM's or the number of times one of your pedals makes a complete rotation in one minute. There are cadence meters but I count the number of times my right foot goes down while keeping time on a stop watch. If you just starting out and on a hybid, an acceptable cadence would probably be around 60 but you may have to work up to that. Experienced riders keep a cadence closer to the 100-120 range, I'm personally most comfortable around 85-95. With a higher cadence you use the energy stores in your legs more efficiently and thus your legs don't get as tired as quickly. This also helps keep your heart rate up and increases your breathing as your leg muscles use more oxygen at a higher cadence. Which, after several weeks and getting comfortable pedaling at higher rpm's, will increase your stamina.
At least i think that's how it works
